Dozens of children have called Engeline Van Arkel “grandma.”

Their temperaments, personalities and even their languages vary, but their tears, smiles and hugs all speak straight to the 82-year-old volunteer’s heart.

“I do love children, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do this,” she says, motioning to the swirl of toddlers on the playground at the Midway site of
Bayshore Child Care Services in Daly City.

Here Van Arkel spends close to 40 hours a week lending a hand, an ear and a lap as a “foster grandparent.”

The volunteer program she serves allows people age 55 and older to contribute much needed support as mentors, tutors and caregivers at day care centers, Head Start sites, schools and other facilities, according to Donna Campi, Foster Grandparent Program coordinator.

“They provide that extra one-on-one attention, cognitive and emotional support that children need to gain confidence, learn and grow,” she said.

Sponsored by Mills-Peninsula Health Services and a program of the Corporation for National & Community Service, the Foster Grandparent Program also helps low-income seniors subsidize their income and stay active.

“At home I would be sitting a lot more, but here I have to walk – sometimes run – after the children,” Van Arkel said. “We sing and dance together, and they come to me when they disagree with each other and need some help.”

After more than four years of having Van Arkel on site, supervisor Menervia Clark considers her part of the team.

“Engeline helps in the classroom, at lunch and snack time, and is generally there to engage and interact with the children,” she says. “They call her ‘grandma.’ They really respect her, and we include her in our meetings and training sessions.”

According to Campi, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which was recently signed by President Obama, will allow even more volunteers to benefit from this and similar programs.

“It lowers the age requirement from 60 to 55 and older and raises the income eligibility to 200 percent of the national poverty guideline,” she said.

Foster Grandparents receive a tax-free stipend, transportation, meal reimbursement and supplemental accident and liability coverage while on duty. Most volunteers spend 20 to 25 hours a week at their site.

“Given the current economic situation, the facilities our volunteers serve don’t have the luxury of extra adults in the classroom,” Campi said. “Programs like these benefit the whole community.”

For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program,
call 650.696.7662.